Summary

3D visualisation in archaeology has become a suitable solution and effective instrument for
the analysis, interpretation and communication of archaeological information. However, so
far only a few attempts have been made to understand and evaluate the real impact that 3D
imaging has on the discipline under its different forms (off-line immersive and not
immersive, and on-line platform).

There is a need in archaeology and cultural heritage for a detailed analysis of the different
infrastructural options that are available and a precise evaluation of the differing impact that
they can have in reshaping the discipline. To achieve this, it is important to develop new
methodologies that consider the evaluation process as a fundamental and central part for
assessing digital infrastructures. These new methods should include flexible evaluation
approaches that can be adapted to the infrastructure that needs to be assessed.

This article aims to provide some examples of 3D applications in archaeology and cultural
heritage and describe how the selection of the infrastructure is related to specific needs of the project. This work will describe the different applications and propose guidelines and
protocols for evaluating their impact within academia and the general public.

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